Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Tatar (90) celebrates his first period goal against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 1 of an NHL hockey third round playoff series at the Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, Canada, on Monday, May 14, 2018. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Tatar (90) scores from behind the net against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 2 of an NHL hockey third round playoff series at the Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, Canada, on Monday, May 14. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Golden Knights gave up quite a bit to acquire Tomas Tatar at the trade deadline in hope that he would provide scoring punch for the stretch run and playoffs.

They finally got a return on the investment in Monday’s 3-1 win in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final.

Tatar scored the Knights’ first goal when he followed his own miss from the side of the net after it caromed off the boards to beat Connor Hellebuyck at 13:23 of the first period.

“I think I missed the net on the first one,” Tatar said.

“I was just trying to get around the net and Shea (Theodore) made a beautiful play to get me the puck. I think I was supposed to score the first one, but I tried to stay with the rebound and I was fortunate enough to put it in.”

The goal did more than just give the Knights the quick lead they were hoping for after falling behind 3-0 early in a Game 1 loss.

It also helped take the crowd out of the game.

“The last game in the stands it felt way louder than tonight,” Tatar said. “It’s good. Obviously, the fans are the seventh man on the ice, but I think we played great and took control the rest of the game.”

Tatar was in the lineup because David Perron “wasn’t feeling well,” according to coach Gerard Gallant.

Tatar, who was acquired from Detroit for three draft picks — including a first-rounder this year — had been active for just four of the previous 11 playoff games. He had not recorded a point and generated only four shots on goal.

He played the first two games against Los Angeles and Games 3 and 4 on the road in San Jose.

“I wouldn’t say (I was) frustrated,” Tatar said of watching games from the press box. “It’s more that you want to help the team any way you can and it’s just beating you up when you’re in the stands and some stuff doesn’t go our way.

“We’re here all for one goal. We want to win the Cup and we’re all doing everything we can to do it. If that’s the choice (Gallant makes), you have to respect it and be a good teammate and help motivate the guys as much as you can.

“It’s not easy, but I’ve been working at practice to try to be ready for an opportunity like this.”

He took full advantage, much to the delight of his teammates.

“What a luxury to be able to put Tomas Tatar into a game in the playoffs,” defenseman Nate Schmidt said. “The guy has been an incredible player in this league and proved it for many years and to be able to go out there and do what he did.

“That’s what I think the mojo of this team is. What it boils down to is we have a group of guys that is collectively pulling on the same rope and making sure they are ready at all times.”

Gallant may have more decisions to make going forward in the series. He said he believes Perron will be available for Game 3 on Wednesday.

“He’s a goal scorer,” Gallant said of Tatar. “I thought he played quick and played fast and he was hungry to play. It was a great job. He hasn’t played a whole lot of games for us in the playoffs, but he’s an important player when he gets the opportunity and that’s what I want him to do.”

The Vegas Golden Knights have announced that Kelly McCrimmon has been promoted to General Manager of the team, effective September 1, 2019. Regarding his new role, McCrimmon will represent the Golden Knights at the NHL's General Managers Meetings and will be the point of contact for other league GMs.

Golden Knights Say an "Awful Call" Cost Them the Series - Video

Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant and Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault believe that an "awful call" by the officials cost them game 7.

Golden Knights Fans Watch Game 7 at T-Mobile - VIDEO

Golden Knights went through a roller coaster in game 7 which lead to the Knights loss 5-4 in overtime.

Sharks & Golden Knights fans fired up for Game 7

Ahead of Game 7 in San Jose, Sharks and Golden Knights fans get hyped for the game in the fan zone at SAP Center.

Golden Knights prepare for Game 7 in San Jose - VIDEO

Vegas Golden Knigths players and the head coach talk about their mindset ahead of facing the San Jose Sharks in Game 7 on the road at the SAP Center.

Knights' Gallant Calls DeBoer a "clown" - VIDEO

Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant calls Sharks coach Pete DeBoer a "clown" and says his comments are a little "unclassy" for him in response to being called the master chirper for the Knights.

Golden Knights fans father outside T-Mobile Arena waiting for game 6 against the Sharks

Golden Knights gather outside the T-Mobile Arena ready to watch game 6 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the San Jose Sharks.

Knights aim to close out Sharks series at home - VIDEO

The Vegas Golden Knights players and head coach Gerard Gallant spoke about what needs to be done ahead of Game 6 at the T-Mobile Arena to clinch the series. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Gerard Gallant talks ahead of Game 6

The Golden Knights coach talked about his team’s upcoming game with the San Jose Sharks after Saturday’s practice.

Coach Gallant Speaks to media about game 5 against the Sharks - VIDEO

Golden Knight's coach Gerard Gallant speaks at City National Arena following thursday's game 5 against the San Jose Sharks.

Golden Knights Fans Watch Game 5 At Henderson Pavilion - Video

Golden Knights fans gather at the Henderson Pavilion to watch game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the San Jose Sharks. (Nathan Asselin/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Fans prepare for Game 5 of the Golden Knights-Sharks series

Golden Knights and Sharks fans took part in pregame festivities at the SAP Center in San Jose ahead of Game 5 of the playoff series.

Golden Knights Fans Land in San Jose - VIDEO

Four Golden Knights fans who traveled from Las Vegas talk about the experiences they've had in San Jose with fans and the police ahead of Game 5 and give their predictions for the final score of the game.

Shea Theodore says he's trying to be a threat in all phases - VIDEO

Vegas Golden Knights Defenseman Shea Theodore says he's trying to elevate his game in all phases and his teammate Alex Tuch talks about Theodore's growth as a player.

Knights preparing to play a "desperate" Sharks team on the road

The Vegas Golden Knights could close out their first playoff series on the road against the San Jose Sharks when Game 5 takes place at the SAP Center. The team says they're going to have to play their best to defeat a "desperate" opponent.

Coach Gallant speaks after practice, as the Golden Knights prep for Game 5

Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant speaks to media after the team's open skate.

Sharks Coach: I think our emotions got away from us a little bit

Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer and center Joe Pavelski say the team needs to hold their emotions in check going forward. Pavelski talks about the Ryan Reaves effect.

2019 NHL Awards set for Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 19

During the 2018 NHL Awards in Las Vegas, tribute was paid to first responders and survivors of the Oct. 1 shooting by a handful of Vegas Golden Knights. NHL Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer said that's why the league is moving the show to the site of the tragedy. The Mandalay Bay Events Center will host the ceremony on June 19th.

Ryan Reaves says Joe Thornton's Hit was "Gutless" - Video

Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves says Sharks' forward Joe Thornton's hit on Tomas Nosek was "gutless." Thornton has been suspended for one game (game four on Tues., April 16) as a result of the hit.

Ryan Reaves Finally Throws Down with San Jose's Evander Kane - Video

Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves says the fight between him and Sharks' forward Evander Kane was nine years in the making. Spectators finally saw the two battle it out in game three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Ryan Reaves Finally Throws Down with San Jose's Evander Kane - Video

Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves says the fight between him and Sharks' forward Evander Kane was nine years in the making. Spectators finally saw the two battle it out in game three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Marc-Andre Fleury's newborn son and his wife Veronique were in attendance at the T-Mobile Arena during game 3. Fleury talks about having his family there to support him.

Sharks and Knights players get physical during game 3 - VIDEO

Several fights broke out during game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Golden Knights and Sharks. Capping off the skirmishes was an intense showdown between Ryan Reaves and Evander Kane.

Golden Knights Fans Gather At T-mobile To Watch Game 3 Of The Playoffs - Video

Golden Knights fans gather outside of the T-Mobile arena to watch game three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Knights GM says it was important for the team to sign Nikita Gusev

Vegas Golden Knights general manager George McPhee says it was important for the team to sign Russian standout Nikita Gusev. The Knights announced they had signed the forward to a one-year, entry level contract on Sunday. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Marc-André Fleury on flamingo

Marc-André Fleury on flamingo

Golden Knights Watch Party For Game 2 Of Sharks Series - Video

Golden Knights fans gather at Top Golf to watch the second game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the San Jose Sharks.

Gallant addresses the media after practice following a 5-2 loss

Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant addresses the media after practice following a 5-2 loss to San Jose in Game 1 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. (Ben Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant on lineup against the San Jose Sharks for Game 1 of the first round in the Stanley Cup playoffs. (David Schoen/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Golden Knights Prepare for Playoffs - Video

Golden Knights players Shea Theodore and Jonathan Marchessault feel that the team is both mentally and physically prepared to take on the Sharks in round one of the NHL Playoffs.

Golden Knights sign defenseman Jimmy Schuldt to a one-year contract

The Golden Knights have signed free agent defenseman Jimmy Schuldt to a one-year, entry level contract. Schuldt comes to the Golden Knights after graduating from St. Cloud State University, where he lead the Huskies to a regular-season conference title and the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Golden Knights letting playoff mentality set in - VIDEO

As the Vegas Golden Knights finish out their season, the team and head coach Gerard Gallant talk about where their mindset is, how they are preparing for the playoffs and their win over the Edmonton Oilers.

Golden Knights Lose to Wild, Clinch Playoff Berth - VIDEO

Despite losing 3-2 to the Minnesota Wild, the Vegas Golden Knights are locked in to a playoff spot. Head coach Gerard Gallant and players discuss their performance against the Wild and what it means to go back to the playoffs.

The Golden Knights’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, tied the Calder Cup Conference Final at two games apiece after defeating San Diego 2-1 in double overtime on Friday night in San Diego.